A Burnley teenager, who has helped to raise more than £350,000 for a hospital charity, rang a bell to officially mark the end of his cancer treatment.

Hughie Higginson, 13,  was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) in 2020 and began treatment at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

In December he was told that his body was clear of cancer cells and on February 5 he rang the end of cancer treatment bell.

Lancashire Telegraph: (L-R) Dr Denise Bonney with Hughie Higginson, Freddie Xavi and BBC News presenter Nina Warhurst (L-R) Dr Denise Bonney with Hughie Higginson, Freddie Xavi and BBC News presenter Nina Warhurst (Image: Royal Manchester Children's Hospital)

Hughie and friend Freddie Xavi, who has helped with fundraising, appeared live on a national news programme from the children’s hospital.

TV staff also organised a special surprise visit for Hughie from Burnley FC players Josh Brownhill, Jack Cork and club president Stuart Hunt.

There was also a special video message from BBC Radio 1 DJ, podcaster and fellow Burnley fan Jordan North.

Surrounded by nursing staff, Hughie’s bell ring was something the family have been looking forward to for three-and-a-half years and there wasn’t a dry eye on the rooftop as he rang it.

A tearful Hughie told viewers: “We’ve been waiting for this day for a long time and I’m so glad it’s finally come. I was so happy ringing the bell.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Burnley FC players Josh Brownhill, Jack Cork and club president Stuart Hunt Burnley FC players Josh Brownhill, Jack Cork and club president Stuart Hunt (Image: Royal Manchester Children's Hospital)

Thanking all the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital staff, his sister Beatrix said: “It was so warming to know he was coming to hospital and there is great people everywhere.

"Everyone is so welcoming. I can’t thank everybody enough.”

Freddie said: “It was tough to see Hughie going through cancer and all the things he’s had to go through but I knew I wanted to do something to help. It was so great being here today.”

Hughie’s dad Keiron said: “Trying to find the right words about today is difficult, after three-and-a-half wishing the time away until he could ring the bell. Today Hughie did it!

“With Freddie by his side cheered on by family, friends and the amazing hospital team to whom we will be forever grateful.”

Last week (Wednesday, January 31) Hughie and Freddie attended the Manchester City vs Burnley FC match where they ran around the pitch at half-time to raise money for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

This is part of their bid to run one kilometre around every Premier League and English Football League Club.

At each stadium they aim to raise funds for the local paediatric oncology unit and this latest event was to raise money for Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, who will use the money for projects at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Hughie’s dad Keiron, who joined the boys pitch-side with Freddie’s mum Sarah, said: “The crowd really got behind the boys and cheered them on.

"The weather was torrential but that failed to dampen their spirits.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Hughie Higginson (middle) cutting a cake, after ringing his end of treatment bell Hughie Higginson (middle) cutting a cake, after ringing his end of treatment bell (Image: Royal Manchester Children's Hospital)

Sarah added: “Both boys support Burnley and Freddie also follows City, so this was a very special event for both boys to be part of and we just want to thank City for being so accommodating.”

In total, the friends have raised more than £347,000 for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and have been passionate about the cause ever since Hughie, then aged 10, was diagnosed with cancer.

Freddie, who was just nine years old at the time, decided to start a fundraising challenge in Hughie’s honour, initially hoping to raise £1,000.

But since then the duo’s story has been shared on national TV and in newspapers, helping them to smash their target and raise the incredible six-figure sum.

In 2021 their amazing efforts earned them a Pride of Britain Award.

The boys recently fronted the hospital charity’s Rooftop Play Appeal, urging the public to help raise £300,000 to revamp the hospital’s outdoor play space.

This special area is for inpatients and allows them to play outdoors, while still remaining within the safe confines of the hospital.

Live on BBC Breakfast they announced the appeal target had been reached, with £364,176 now being allocated to the rooftop revamp.

The money is a mix of Hughie and Freddie’s own fundraising, and donations from members of the public who supported the appeal.

Angela Rowe, deputy director of Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, said: “Hughie and Freddie are both incredible young lads and have achieved so much in their young lives.

"Having them as fundraisers and representing us is a true honour.

“Of course the money means the world to us, as it means we can start giving the play area a much-needed makeover so it can be enjoyed by thousands more children for years to come.

"But what was even more special was seeing Hughie finish his treatment and ring the bell. It was a really emotional and special time and I know everyone there felt how important it was for Hughie. There wasn’t a dry eye on the roof!

“The money for the rooftop, and the other fundraising Hughie and Freddie have done, will enable us to continue funding special projects to help families at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital both now and in the future.”